CLAVERING,James MacKenzie, Cpl. (528848)

Hi Henk

This is rather vague, but I'm seeking the identity of a Canadian corporal (ground crew) who was killed at RAF Church Fenton early 1940 (?) by accidental discharge of a Hurricane's machine-guns whilst on the ground.

Here is the entry from Allison's archaic; Canadians in the Royal Air Force:

k/a.
CLAVERING,James MacKenzie, Cpl. (528848) [sic].

Joined in Feb./36, but was k/a on April 18/40 at Church Fenton. He was hit while the Hurricanes were test firing their machine guns. Although raised in Canada, his parents went back to Ashington, Northumberland and his wife was in Leeds.

See:
Canadians in the Royal Air Force.
Allison,Les.
Roland:Author,1978.
p.120

Firstly, Clavering's service number should read, 528648. The CWGC, has him listed as No.242 Sqn. Hugh Halliday mentions the incident briefly in, 242 Squadron:The Canadian Years:

The unit resumed night flying training and convoy patrols operating from dispersal sites. Such work was not without strain, incident, or tragedy. On April 18th (1940), an airman was killed accidentally while a Hurricane's guns were being test-fired. Another airman died after being struck by a rotating propellor on the night of May 6th.

See:
242 Squadron:The Canadian Years. Being the Story of the RAF's all-Canadian' Fighter Squadron.
Halliday,Hugh.
Stittsville:Canada's Wings,1981.

What about 'just wise minds' ! Visited the forum and read the thread after you all folks had taken the necessarily action ! Yes Col, CLAVERING is in TSGNO on page 126 with incorrect svcnr 528848.
Regards,
Henk.